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Abstract
Stroke is the number one cause of disability in the United States and costs over $68 billion annually. The majority of strokes are preventable but require education of the public on modifiable risk factors and prevention. Nurses play a major role in education related to prevention and care of stroke patients. The purpose of this project was to develop a self study educational program for nurses caring for stroke patients. A four module program was created. It was piloted by the sample population of nurses working on the stroke unit at Kent County Hospital. There was a thirteen point improvement in scores from the pre-test to the post-test scores after completing the educational modules. The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) plays a key role in implementing, updating and evaluating the program as well as serving as a resource for nurses caring for stroke patients. The APRN should be instrumental in providing education and resource information to the stroke patient and their family. Recommendations are to implement the educational, self-study stroke modules throughout the hospital for use by all nurses who might care for a stroke patient.